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Early week options: "Waiting for Axl" and Other Lives

Dec 12th 2011

Yes, we all know that Axl Rose is the lone original member in the current incarnation of Guns N' Roses. So you can call me crazy if you want, but I'm still somewhat excited the band hits Utah on Tuesday during its "Chinese Democracy" tour and won't even grumble a whole lot about likely having to wait until 11 p.m. Tuesday to see the group take the stage.

True confession, I've been an owner of "Appetite for Destruction" since 1988, and I've loved the group and rooted for Axl to continue to make good music all along. Sure, I wish Slash and Izzy and Duff and even Adler were back in the fold, but it seems highly unlikely, so I'll take what I can get. And they're certainly not the only touring band on the road offering up a lineup decidedly different than the one that rose to fame. Ticket sales are reportedly sluggish for this gig, so you can still overcome your own reservations and come out. For whatever reason, I still expect to enjoy the gig, and it's my lone chance this year to see "Rocket Queen," so I'll take it. Meanwhile, is it bad form to bring a book to read while waiting for a band to start?

Here's a sample of what we should expect.
http://youtu.be/ahD27ucerCM

In other events for the first half of this week, a virtually unique musical offering rolls into Salt Lake City on Monday night when The Klezmatics pay a visit. For those who don't know, the Klezmatics have worked to reinvent the traditional musical style of Klezmer and also sing a number of songs using lyrics from Woody Guthrie. Throw in the fact that they're talented enough to have shared a stage with Itzhak Perlman, and you've got a winning choice for a Monday night. Locals Juana Ghani are opening. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Check this recent clip of The Klezmatics at a Yiddish festival.

Also at The State Room on Tuesday night, hip indie-rockers Other Lives will be in town, for what should be a fun, atmospheric night of music. The Oklahoma-based band have had a solid 2011, after releasing "Tamer Animals," back in May and touring with this summer, which has surprisingly become one of the more revered acts in rock during the past few years. Tickets remain on sale and are $12. JBM opens at 8 p.m.
This is Other Lives playing an NPR "Tiny Desk Concert," back in August. Sounds good!